News 3 LV   ·   Link to Article

Culinary Union cites 60,000 workers as it questions Trump tip tax policy in Vegas

The “no tax on tips” policy was approved last year as part of Trump’s “big beautiful bill,” and it was promoted as a major tax change. But the Culinary Union, which represents about 60,000 hospitality workers in Southern Nevada, said the current version of the policy has significant problems for tipped workers.

Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer, said Las Vegas is at “the epicenter of the Trump slump,” arguing that while the stock market has surged for wealthy Americans, many Las Vegas families represented by the union are struggling. He also said Trump has not delivered on a promise to help the working class.

Pappageorge said the union fought hard for a no-tax-on-tips policy, but criticized how it is structured now.

"It’s temporary. It goes away. The rich still keep their tax cuts. The working folks don’t,” Pappageorge said. “There’s a 100% marriage tax penalty if there are two married tip earners, which is very common here. And if you’re a banquet server or there’s a buyout in your restaurant, you can’t count those tips. They have to come out, so it’s pretty unworkable.”

He also raised concerns about whether the policy helps workers if tip income drops.

“But here’s the real issue: if you’re not making the tips, then what good is a tax credit? It’s a real problem,” Pappageorge said.

Pappageorge took part in a news conference earlier today with Reps. Dina Titus and Steven Horsford, where he said they offered ways to fix the tax-on-tips legislation.

He also said Trump has chased away some of Las Vegas’ biggest customers, including visitors from Canada and the U.S.

More News

Get Connected